We are often asked, “Does Chapel Hill have a Veteran’s Section?” The answer to this question is “Yes” and “No”. We have always felt that our military veterans should not be limited to one specific area of the cemetery. Veterans may prefer to make a selection based on their faith or proximity to other family members. These preferences should not exclude them from being recognized for their service to their country. So… to answer this question more directly… Chapel Hill does not confine Veterans to one small area of the cemetery. Our Veterans are shown a special honor and respect regardless of location in the cemetery. We view every garden in Chapel Hill as a Veteran’s Section.
Every Memorial Day (weather permitting) we fly over 250 large Veteran’s Flags around the roads of Chapel Hill. These flags have been graciously loaned to us by families who have lost a veteran within the last few years. Chapel Hill is one of only a few cemeteries in the state that provides this unique service.
The “Avenue of Flags” is a beautiful and emotionally stirring display of patriotism. Each flag represents a wife or husband, a father or mother, a son or daughter, a friend… honoring a person who loved and served their country.
Chapel Hill hosts a Veteran’s Remembrance Service each Memorial Day. Veterans who have been interred over the last year are honored. Also, a group of flags are retired from our “Avenue of Flags” and returned to their respective families as we make room for new flags.
Court of Honor — To honor our military veterans, Chapel Hill has constructed a permanent Veteran’s Court of Honor in tribute to their heroic and selfless service to our country. The Court is located just off the main drive at the base of the 60-foot main flag staff.
A large bronze eagle sits majestically on nearly eight feet of black granite at the Court entrance. Five bronze plaques recognize the branches of our nation’s defense and panels listing each Veteran interred in Chapel Hill are being added.
Every veteran interred and remembered in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens will be honored in the Court. Note: There are opportunities for different levels of individual recognition through donations toward this ongoing project. Call or stop our office for more information.